How to Prepare a Wall for Tile

Tiling a wall adds interest to any kitchen or bathroom. You may even want to tile a bedroom wall. The choice is yours. Before you tile that wall, though, you need to prepare it. The wall needs to be able to support the weight of the tiles, and the adhesive needs to be able to adhere to the surface of the wall.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tools for existing wall-covering removal
• Sandpaper
• Chalk line

How to Prepare a Wall for Tile

1. Remove any moldings from around the wall. This includes ceiling and floor moldings and any decorative moldings around windows in the wall.

2. Remove existing wall coverings. Paneling, wallpaper or wallpaper murals, and any existing tiles need to be removed from the drywall or backer board.

3. Check the drywall to ensure it is secure to the framework of the house. The drywall should be secured to the studs with screws or nails.

4. Remove drywall if you are installing the tile in a shower stall or around a bathtub. Install water-resistant backer board to replace the drywall. This will ensure your wall does not rot from moisture and fall down.

5. Make sure the surface of the drywall or backer board is smooth. Remove any dirt, dust, dried putty or glue from the surface. Sand lightly if necessary to ensure a smooth surface. Repair any cracks or holes in the drywall and sand to smooth.

6. Sand the surface lightly if you did not have to remove any wall coverings or replace the drywall. If you are starting with a painted surface, sand the wall lightly and wipe free of dust.

7. Find the center of the wall by measuring the height and the width of the wall and mark at the intersecting points.

8. Snap a chalk line in the center from top to bottom and again from side to side. This divides the wall into quadrants.

9. Proceed with tile installation.